Contents

Understand

East Grinstead is an ancient market town that was the capital of the old High Weald, and lies at the meeting point of the four counties of Kent, East Sussex, West Sussex and Surrey. The carol Good King Wenceslas was written at the town's Sackville College.

By taxi

The main taxi rank is at the train station, although you can order a taxi by telephone to pick you up from anywhere.

Acorn Cars - (01342) 410518

Ivy Dene Cars - (01342) 835835

Raceline Cars - (01342) 317555

Roadrunners - (01342) 324444

Southdown Cars - (01342) 317400

See

Sackville College, High Street, tel: (01892) 770179 / (01342) 326561. Open Wednesday-Saturday, 14:00-17:00 from June to September. A beautiful 17th century sandstone almshouse, where the carol Good King Wenceslas was penned. Admission: £3.50 for adults, £1 for children. Sackville College

Standen, West Hoathly Road, tel: 01342 323029, e-mail: standen@nationaltrust.org.uk. Opening times - House: Wednesday-Sunday, 11:00-16:30 (last entry at 16:00) from March to October, plus Mondays in July and August; Garden: Wednesday-Sunday, 11:00-17:30 from March to October plus Mondays in July and August; Friday-Sunday, 11:00-15:00 in November and December. The National Trust's flagship Arts and Crafts country house, internationally renowned for its William Morris wallpapers, textiles and contemporary fittings. Also has extensive landscaped gardens. Admission: £7.50 for adults, £3.75 for children. National Trust - Standen

The church of St Swithun's - contains the graves of the Sussex Martyrs

East Grinstead also has a brand new state of the art Museum[2], located just off the High Street in Cantelupe Road tel: 01342 302233 Open Wednesday to Saturday 10.00 - 16.00 Sundays 14.00- 17.00 Admission is free e-mail info@eastgrinsteadmuseum.org.uk

Do

Visit the town's excellent museum.

Check out the local Theatre & Arts Centre, Chequer Mead - one of the best purpose-built venues in the south, with a good range of professional and community-based events.

The Bluebell Railway[3],England's premier restored steam railway, has its Northern terminus located on the outskirts of the town at Kingscote.Trains steam through the heart of the Sussex Weald throughout the year.

Explore the wealth of walks and trails that lead from the town into the surrounding countryside. Several long distance trails pass through or near the town, such as the High Weald Landscape Trail and the Sustrans[4] National Cycle Network Route 21 passes through the town.

Also well known to climbers are the Stone Rocks overlooking the Weir Wood Reservoir on the outskirts of the town. There is free access to climbing these rocks which are suitable for most ages and levels of skills.

The longest row of 14th century timber framed buildings in England, which are located on near the top of the High Street.

The town is also an area of outstanding sporting excellence with an enviable range of facilities for all sports.

Eat

Mc Donalds, Wimpy and Starburger Express all have outlets in the town.

A few Italian chains like Prezzo and Pizza express have restaurants on the historic high street.

One of the best and least well-known to visitors (but not to locals!) is the Cuisine Studio in the town's Theater & Arts Centre, Chequer Mead

Lots of take-away outlets in the town. Generally, the best place for fish 'n' chips is considered to be Taylors, with queues stretching out onto the street at weekends. There are also several Indian restaurants such as Nizam Indian Restaurant, Shapla (good takeaway) and Chinese take-away restaurant places.

Drink

The town boasts a number of pubs. JD Weatherspoons have a branch, located on the ground floor of the Atrium Entertainment complex. The broadway, located on Railway Approach is another large venue. There are also a number of other smaller pubs located throughout the town.

Crows Nest - Live Bands every week
The Dorset Arms - Gastropub
The Sussex Arms - Now very much upmarket
The Sportsman - One of the smallest pubs you can find. Hidden down an alley and very much a "back street boozer" with some odd characters.

Poision IV or Bliss for nightclubs.

Sleep

The Town's Tourism Initiative has a full listing of all accommodation on their website [5]